2019 NFL Draft: 5 Teams that should trade down
4. Detroit Lions
The Lions aren’t exactly a well-built team. Matt Patricia’s rookie season as a head coach proved that there’s plenty of work to get done. Still, they have some staples on the team. On offense, they have a quarterback in Matt Stafford who’s one the league’s best passers. The offensive line is talented enough and they look to finally have settled the situation at running back.
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One of their biggest remaining holes, however, comes at tight end. Considering they were unwilling to retain Eric Ebron’s services and given his breakout 2018 season with the Colts, the need is a bit ironic but present nonetheless.
Taking a tight end at No. 8 isn’t something that fans want, nor is it something the front office should want. In fact, one can argue that taking a tight end inside the top 20 isn’t the smartest draft strategy. Even the great T.J. Hockenson isn’t worth the pick there. So why not trade down, get more draft capital and select a tight end later?
On the defensive side of the ball, Darius Slay is one of the best corners in the league. Signing Trey Flowers gives the Lions one starting caliber defensive end. But is Flowers ready to handle the attention he’ll receive? One can argue that the Lions could still use help considering they’re in a division with Aaron Rodgers, Mitch Trubisky and Kirk Cousins.
At both defensive end and cornerback, the Lions don’t have a dire need, so they could stand to increase their capital and then wait to take a player at either position.